Mistake 10: Wearing improper shoes to Zumba class

Running or tennis shoes can keep your foot planted while your knee rotates the other way during pivoting motions. This can tear the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), one of the knee's stabilizing ligaments, says David Geier, MD, Director of Sports Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, who’s treated many Zumba-related ACL injuries. "You can also tear your ACL during Zumba if you jump and land on your feet with a leg fully extended," says Dr. Geier.

Fitness fix: The raised arch of a dance shoe (sometimes marketed as a Zumba shoe) may lower your injury risk if it prevents the sole of the shoe from sticking to the floor as you change direction, says Dr. Geier. Another smart move: "Land after jumping with your knees slightly bent and learn proper turning mechanics," advises Dr. Geier.

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